Lemon Balm

Scientific Name: Melissa officinalis

Plant Family: Lamiaceae (Mint family)

Native Region: Southern Europe, North Africa, and West Asia.

Lemon Balm

Brief Description

Lemon balm is a bushy, herbaceous perennial plant that typically grows to 20-30 inches tall. It has square stems, characteristic of the mint family, and ovate to heart-shaped leaves with scalloped margins. The leaves are bright green and have a slightly wrinkled texture. When crushed, they release a strong lemony scent. Small, inconspicuous white or yellowish flowers may appear in the leaf axils during summer.

Care Instructions

Lemon balm is a relatively low-maintenance plant. It prefers full sun to partial shade, with at least 5-6 hours of direct sunlight for optimal growth. It thrives in well-drained, average to rich soil. Once established, it is drought-tolerant but benefits from regular watering during dry periods. It is best to deadhead the plant regularly to encourage bushier growth and prevent excessive self-seeding. In cooler climates, it dies back in winter and regrows in spring.

Medicinal Value

We do not currently provide medicinal value for plant identifications.

Created At: 2025-08-11T14:03:21.580370